Why Socialism?

“Einstein is the world-famous physicist. This article was originally published in the first issue of Monthly Review (May 1949). It was subsequently published in May 1998 to commemorate the first issue of MR‘s fiftieth year. ~ The Editors

“Is it advisable for one who is not an expert on economic and social issues to express views on the subject of socialism? I believe for a number of reasons that it is…” ~ Albert Einstein

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About The Author

JoAnn Chateau likes progressive politics and loves the canines. She writes fiction about an alpha Bichon named Chester, and his friends--with a dash of humor and a dab of poli-sci. JoAnn worked professionally in the Psychology and Information Science fields. Retired now, she enjoys the creative life.

4 Comments

Thank you for the reblog, JoAnn. Love the painting of old Albert. And indeed, a short essay well worth reading. It is a penetrating, lucid and eloquent analysis of our society. And I’d wager that few today who yet revere the memory of this man are aware of what in good faith was his political allegiance and hopes for the future.

A lengthy but well-worth reading article. The author raises several important issues about the ways we as individuals have been conditioned to think and survive in a predatory, capitalist, economic system. He sees education as the key to transition from a self-centered, competitive, capitalist society to one of shared responsibility required in a socialist society.

I found the following excerpt of great insight:

“I have now reached the point where I may indicate briefly what to me constitutes the essence of the crisis of our time. It concerns the relationship of the individual to society. The individual has become more conscious than ever of his dependence upon society. But he does not experience this dependence as a positive asset, as an organic tie, as a protective force, but rather as a threat to his natural rights, or even to his economic existence. Moreover, his position in society is such that the egotistical drives of his make-up are constantly being accentuated, while his social drives, which are by nature weaker, progressively deteriorate. All human beings, whatever their position in society, are suffering from this process of deterioration. Unknowingly prisoners of their own egotism, they feel insecure, lonely, and deprived of the naive, simple, and unsophisticated enjoyment of life. Man can find meaning in life, short and perilous as it is, only through devoting himself to society.”